Chicago Bulls: Could Dwight Howard Take His Talents to Lake Shore Drive?
The Chicago Bulls are one of the NBA's elite teams.
They have arguably the league's best point guard in Derrick Rose, an All-Star power forward in Carlos Boozer, a solid defensive center in Joakim Noah and Luol Deng, who provides scoring from the small forward spot.
Some people believe the Bulls can win a championship this June. But realistically speaking, the team is probably one star away from raising championship banner No. 7 to the rafters at the United Center.
So who is this star the Bulls' roster is lacking? There's no way that the likes of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant or Dwyane Wade will be available anytime soon.
The player that could be the missing piece in the Bulls' championship puzzle is Orlando Magic big man Dwight Howard. Also known as "Superman", he is hands-down the best center that the NBA has to offer.
The two-time Defensive Player of the Year can opt of his current contract to become a free agent in the summer of 2012.
But you better believe that Orlando management isn't going to let their franchise center leave without receiving anything in return. They learned a hard lesson back in 1996 when Shaquille O'Neal bolted town for the Los Angeles Lakers.
With that said, the only way the Bulls are going to get their hands on Howard is through a trade. They can offer the Magic a package involving Noah and a collection of future first round draft picks. Not only do they have their own picks, but they've also obtained first-rounders from Charlotte and Miami as well.
That should be enough to pry Howard away from Florida.
Howard has indicated he wants to finish his career in an Orlando uniform, but let's face it, unless a miracle takes place soon, the Magic aren't going to win a title. No, a supporting cast of Jameer Nelson, Gilbert Arenas and Hedo Turkoglu just isn't enough.
However, playing alongside Rose, this season's runaway MVP, and Boozer and Deng, Howard could finally get his first ring and maybe a few more as well.
Howard would easily become the Bulls' best center since Artis Gilmore was patrolling the paint in the late '70s and early '80s. No disrespect to die-hard Will Perdue and Bill Wennington fans.
Imagine Rose performing a "killer crossover" on his defender and then blowing by him to dump it inside to Howard. The Bulls would be unstoppable. Scary.
There's rumors out there that Howard wants to head out west to join the Lakers. But why team up with Kobe and Pau Gasol, whom aren't getting any younger, when you can play with Rose for many years to come?
Sure, Chicago can't compete with L.A. when it comes to weather, but it's still one of the world's most spectacular cities.
Recently, Michael Jordan said the Bulls could win another six titles. And with Rose and Howard leading the way, it could become a reality.
Chicagoans, don't be surprised to spot Howard crusin' down Lake Shore Drive in the near future.
